(ANSA) - BELGRADE, 01 MAR - The EU special representative for dialogue on Kosovo, Miroslav Lajcak, who begins today a mission in Pristina and Belgrade, said he would not present an ultimatum to the Serbian leadership on the recognition of Kosovo's independence, as hypothesized by some media in recent days.

Moreover, he showed confidence that the two sides will agree on the normalization of relations within a reasonable time.

In an interview with Serbian agency Tanjug on the eve of his mission, the European mediator spoke of the EU-US collaboration's importance to reach an agreement. "The EU does not work with the ultimatum principle. We are here to help. The goal of the dialogue is to support both Belgrade and Pristina, promoting a European future for the whole region," said Lajcak.

"It is no secret - he added - that the EU expects the dialogue to continue." Dialogue, he underlined, is essential for both Pristina and Belgrade on their path to the EU. From his mission and talks with the two sides, he added, he expects to know "when it will be possible to resume the negotiation." The Slovak diplomat then underlined how the EU is "in close contact" with its American partners to foster dialogue on Kosovo and, in general, the European prospect of the whole Western Balkan region. "The normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is the prerequisite for successful integration, and the EU and the US intend to give support for this prospect." (ANSA).